Audition Advice - Claire Simon

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I would say first and foremost, BE PREPARED. I can’t tell you how many times I have had someone come in to read for a pilot or a theatre project and while meeting the writer, confess that they haven’t even read the material. Besides wanting to poke myself right in the eye, and melt into the hardwood floor…the actor can just about forget it at that point. Come in to every audition “as though you can get the job.” Read the script, and be comfortable enough with the sides that you don’t have your head in them. Also, be on time; and take time to consider how to dress for the role (you don’t need to wear a costume, but if you are coming in for a lawyer, wear a suit). Make sure you know all the details of the job: where it shoots, when it shoots, whether there’s travel, whether or not it is union.

In the audition room make a BIG CHOICE. Even if the choice you make isn’t ultimately right, it will give someone something to work with and make you memorable.

Please, don’t second guess us and decide you’ve been called in for the wrong role. Maybe the director has changed direction or given me the go-ahead to “think out of the box.” Don’t get in your own way by second guessing my motives.

I think a great audition is when I see an actor who comes in with a great energy, happy to be there, off book, with some really interesting choices that make me see the role in a new way

Everyone in our office can always be bribed with lunch from Blind Faith Caf?… We are easy.

Claire Simon runs Simon Casting, and has cast numerous theatre and TV shows, including “Prison Break.”